This collection contains material documenting two events: the christening in 2010 and the commissioning in 2012 of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton, named after Purdue University’s first full-time Dean of Women, and Director of the U.S. Coast Guard Women’s Reserve, Dorothy Stratton.

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton is a Legend-class National Security Cutter, the largest and most technologically advanced class of cutter in the U.S. Coast Guard Fleet. The Stratton is named in honor of Dorothy Stratton, Director of the United States Coast Guard Women’s Reserve (known as SPARS). Captain Stratton was Dean of Women at Purdue University before taking a leave of absence to join the Navy Women’s Reserve (WAVES) in 1942. She was soon called upon to create and direct the SPARS, a name she coined as an acronym for the Coast Guard Motto, “Semper Paratus” and its English translation “always ready.” Author: J. McConnell

Scope and Contents: This collection contains programs, a dvd, photographs and ephemera documenting the christening in 2010 and the commissioning in 2012 of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton, named after Purdue University’s first full-time Dean of Women, Dorothy Stratton.